Hailey
On Monday, June 16, Community Voices Concerns Over Proposed 8.62% Rate Increase, residents gathered to participate in a public hearing organized by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) regarding Evergy’s proposed electricity rate increase.
The hearing, held at Washburn Institute of Technology at 5724 SW Huntoon Street, provided a platform for community members to voice their opinions and seek answers directly from state regulators and utility representatives.
Background on the Rate Hike Request
In January, Evergy submitted a formal application to the KCC requesting approval for a $196.4 million rate increase, which translates to an 8.62% rise in customer bills.
The utility company stated that the requested hike is essential for addressing financial pressures due to aging infrastructure, operational expenses, and the need to enhance service reliability.
If the rate increase is approved, residential customers could expect to pay an additional $13.05 per month, starting as early as September this year.
Customer Concerns and Reactions
While some attendees acknowledged the challenges faced by utility companies, many customers expressed skepticism about the size of the proposed increase.
Brandt Vircks, an Evergy customer, shared his concerns during the hearing. “They are still generating revenue from their stakeholders and us, the customers,” he noted. “While some increase may be warranted, I don’t believe an 8 percent hike is justified.”
Another customer, Amory Lovin, emphasized how even modest increases can accumulate when paired with other rising living costs. “Would $13 ruin me financially? No,” Lovin remarked, “but when you consider that the cost of food, gas, and everything else has gone up, it definitely adds to the burden.”
Evergy’s Justification for the Rate Adjustment
Evergy defended the proposed rate adjustment by pointing to tangible improvements in service reliability. According to Gina Penzig, spokesperson for Evergy, part of the increased funds would go toward updating outdated systems and enhancing customer experience.
“Over the past few years, we’ve reduced the duration of power outages by approximately 10%,” Penzig explained. “These improvements might not always be immediately visible to customers, but they contribute to a more stable and reliable electricity supply overall.”
Evergy maintains that without the increase, it may struggle to maintain the pace of upgrades and service improvements needed to meet growing demands and modern standards.
Ongoing Regulatory Review and Next Steps
The KCC is still reviewing Evergy’s application, and the hearing on June 16 was part of its broader effort to collect public feedback before making a final decision. The commission will weigh customer comments, company data, and expert analysis in its evaluation of the proposed rate increase.
While a specific timeline for the decision has not been confirmed, any rate change approved by the KCC would be implemented in the fall of 2025 at the earliest.
The proposed 8.62% rate increase by Evergy has brought to the forefront a growing tension between the necessity of utility upgrades and the affordability of basic services for everyday Kansans.
While Evergy argues that the additional revenue is essential to maintain and modernize its electrical grid, improve service reliability, and manage increasing operational costs, many customers are grappling with broader economic pressures such as rising prices for food, fuel, and housing.
For some, even a $13 monthly increase could create additional financial strain, especially when combined with other rising expenses.
Public comments during the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) hearing highlighted a sense of frustration and caution. Many participants acknowledged the importance of investing in infrastructure, but they questioned the size and timing of the increase.
Some felt that Evergy should consider alternative cost-saving measures or smaller, phased increases to lessen the impact on consumers.
On the other hand, Evergy emphasized its recent success in reducing outage durations and improving system reliability—benefits that, although not always visible, play a crucial role in long-term customer satisfaction and safety.
The utility insists that delaying the rate adjustment could hinder progress and lead to larger financial burdens down the line if critical maintenance is postponed.
Ultimately, the KCC’s upcoming decision will serve as a critical test of how Kansas balances utility accountability, infrastructure investment, and consumer protection.
As the state continues to face changing energy demands and economic uncertainties, decisions like these will shape not just energy costs, but public trust in utility oversight.
Customers, stakeholders, and regulators alike are watching closely to see if the outcome addresses both the operational needs of the utility and the financial realities of the people it serves.